Sidebar: Cutting Loose

Tim Cope left his role as CIO of the University of NSW in June last year. He's currently engaged in a mix of strategic consulting assignments, business development and new business ventures. At the moment it's a mix keeping him well occupied but, as Cope notes, "The unknown of course is whether I decide to stay with and develop these business interests, as opposed to going back into a corporate role".

CIO: What are some of the most important things to do when you first cut loose from an employer?

Tim Cope: If you have been in a role for an extended period, I think that the most important thing to do is give yourself time, finances permitting of course. You need to properly assess previous roles and work out what you are really good at. This can take weeks, months or even years in some cases.

I have heard people talk about a period of "grieving" when you leave a role but I think that terminology may be a bit misleading. For many people, I suspect that it is the loss of the work routine with its early starts and long hours that is the biggest challenge. Even though many people complain about this aspect of their work life, it is surprising how hooked on it you become.

Who are your most important allies during this period?

Head-hunters are good for giving you feedback on your skills and experience and helping you to work out where to focus. Apart from skills and experience, your business network is your most important asset. Don't be afraid to use it. Don't underestimate the value of your network and the feedback you get from talking to people in the market. You should take charge of your own destiny and not wait for the market to come to you. If you do, you could be in for a long wait.

Some colleagues have had success with executive coaching and talent firms that assist in both helping you to determine the right career step and in some cases [give] access to potential future employers.

What should you be doing so that you don't fade from sight when you're looking for a new role?

Keep in regular dialogue with your business contacts and head-hunters. Use industry forums and, of course, the media, to comment on topical issues and develop your profile.

How important is your CV at this stage? Should you really be polishing it?

The CV is always an extremely important marketing tool for your skills and experience. I'm not sure "polishing" is the right word, but you should certainly revisit your resume and ensure that it is succinct and expresses your achievements in ways that prospective employers can both understand and value.

Sometimes it's hard looking for work. How do you keep your spirits up?

It may sound a bit cliched but executives that find themselves in this position have a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with their family, and it should not be missed. Also, there may be a number of personal interests which cannot be pursued due to corporate work commitments and I think that engaging in some of these at this time can be very cathartic.

Is it worth looking at opportunities overseas or interstate, or is this a fairly parochial market?

A lot of people will tell you that the Australian IT market is a small one and that can be a limiting factor when seeking career opportunities. If international assignments really interest you, then there are a number of multinational executive recruitment firms that you can approach. Failing that, professional networking Web sites such as LinkedIn or even Google can generate some interesting leads. Bear in mind though that a move overseas is not for everyone and it is as much a personal, family decision, as a professional one. I speak from experience on this one.

- B HEAD